Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that authorizes civil unions, effective September 1, 2011.

Highlights:

• Authorizes two adults to enter into a civil union, regardless of gender (Sec. 2).

• Prohibits parties from entering into a civil union under the following conditions (Sec. 2):
• One or both of the parties are married to another person;
• One or both of the parties are in a civil union with another person;
• The parties are related to each other; or
• One or both of the parties are under 18 years of age.

• Specifies that the members of a civil union are granted the same benefits, protections, and responsibilities that are granted to spouses in a marriage, including, but not limited to, the following (Sec. 2):
• Financial support;
• Workers' compensation benefits;
• Adoption law and procedure;
• State employee group benefit plans;
• Domestic abuse programs; and
• Decisions relating to medical care.

• Defines “marriage” as the legally recognized union of one man and one woman (Sec. 2).

• Specifies that officials of religious institutions or denominations are not required to certify a civil union (Sec. 2).

• Specifies that civil unions, domestic partnerships, or “substantially” similar legal relationships from other jurisdictions are considered a civil union in Colorado (Sec. 2).

Full Bill Text